On Thursday 6th July 2023, a team of ten year 8 students from Manor Community Academy (MCA) attended Fenton Manor Sports complex (Stoke-On-Trent) to compete in the National Dodgeball Finals. Ahead of the event, the team were uncertain about what to expect and the calibre of competition that they would be facing. Manor Community Academy had a modest confidence having already won both the Town competition in Hartlepool and the North East competition in Bishop Auckland; without losing a single match. Undefeated entering this competition meant that the student could head into this competition ready and raring!

Regardless the team arrived prepared after travelling down the night before and were raring to go.

The MCA team made short work of their first opposition! It started incredibly well. The second game saw a tougher game when they came up against the would be National Champions. Despite a loss, the MCA were determined to come back against the odds.

In the quarter final it looked like MCA were going to face yet another challenge when they were drawn against the winner of another group who had gone undefeated so far and not to mention that they were also coached by a professional dodgeball player. We took this in our stride, set out a strategic plan and it paid off as MCA won the quarter final!

MCA made the semi finals – who would they face? MCA were drawn against another impeccable NET dodgeball team from Dyke House Academy. It was a close call but MCA took the win and advanced into the final of the competition.

Wellington in the final it was! Despite an intense and incredibly well played game, Manor fell just short losing 8-4 to Wellington Academy.

The MCA team were exceptional throughout the entirety of the trip. Their behaviour and conduct was commended by hotel staff, British Dodgeball staff and staff from opposing schools. They competed fiercely with integrity and gave every match 100%. Although the team were disappointed that they could not win the whole competition, we could not be prouder of this exceptional group of students who are now the 2nd best dodgeball team in the country.

Take a bow team MCA!